Cefsulodin

Abstract

The chemistry, microbiology, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions, and clinical indications for cefsulodin are reviewed and compared to ceftazidime and cefoperazone. Cefsulodin is a narrow-spectrum, third-generation cephalosporin with activity virtually restricted to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cefsulodin is eliminated renally and has a serum half-life similar to ceftazidime and cefoperazone. Cefsulodin appears to be well tolerated and relatively free of any significant toxicity except for nausea and vomiting, which appear to be related to the infusion rate. Cefsulodin may be beneficial in those rare clinical situations where an infection is caused by a sensitive isolate of P. aeruginosa known to be resistant to the other antipseudomonal cephalosporins, and/or the avoidance of an aminoglycoside antibiotic is desired. However, its empiric use is to be discouraged.